2009 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 250 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 525 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
